Florida is a popular destination known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse attractions. However, not all areas in the Sunshine State are safe. Some towns and cities have high rates of crime and violence, making them risky for both visitors and residents. Here are four Florida locations considered among the most dangerous in the US, based on data from the FBI and other sources.
Lake City
Located in northern Florida, Lake City is a small town with one of the highest crime rates in the state. With a population of about 12,000, it has a violent crime rate of 15.74 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 51.85 per 1,000 residents. This means one in 64 residents could be a victim of a violent crime, and one in 19 could be a victim of a property crime. The crime problem in Lake City is tied to factors like poverty, drug abuse, and gang activity.
Riviera Beach
Situated along the coast in Palm Beach County, Riviera Beach is known as one of Florida’s most dangerous places. With around 38,000 residents, it has a violent crime rate of 11.53 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 29.99 per 1,000 residents. This means one in 87 residents might experience a violent crime, and one in 33 might face a property crime. Issues like unemployment, lack of education, and racial tension contribute to the crime problem in Riviera Beach.
Lauderhill
Lauderhill is in Broward County, near Fort Lauderdale. With a population of about 72,000, it has a violent crime rate of 9.48 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 34.43 per 1,000 residents. This means one in 106 residents might be a victim of a violent crime, and one in 29 might suffer a property crime. Low income, high population density, and social disorder are factors that influence the crime situation in Lauderhill.
Panama City
Panama City is a small city on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida’s panhandle. With around 34,000 residents, it has a violent crime rate of 9.55 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 42.21 per 1,000 residents. This means one in 105 residents could be a victim of a violent crime, and one in 24 could face a property crime. The crime challenge in Panama City is made worse by tourism, alcohol consumption, and homelessness.
Conclusion
Florida offers many attractions and opportunities, but it also has some of the most dangerous towns and cities in the country. These four locations are examples of places where travelers and locals should be cautious, as they pose significant risks to safety and well-being. While Florida has many positive aspects, it also has some areas with serious crime issues that shouldn’t be overlooked.